Montmorency tart cherry juice: Natural support for elevated uric acid levels

Elevated uric acid levels (medically known as hyperuricemia) are considered a major risk factor for the development of gout. However, connections with other diseases can also be identified: High blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, among others, are associated with elevated uric acid levels. While drug therapies are available, many sufferers are looking for a natural alternative—ideally one that is well-tolerated and free of side effects. A recent study shows promising results: Regular consumption of Montmorency tart cherries could help lower uric acid levels naturally.

When it comes to health benefits, the Montmorency tart cherry tops the list. Compared to other cherry varieties, it contains significantly higher amounts of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins. These natural pigments not only give the fruit its characteristic deep red color but are also associated with a variety of beneficial effects on the body—including elevated uric acid levels (Hillman et al. 2021).

Scientific evidence suggests that the ingredients of the Montmorency tart cherry may work on several levels simultaneously:

• Promoting uric acid excretion: Anthocyanins and other bioactive plant compounds may support the renal excretion of uric acid. This means the body is more effectively relieved of excess uric acid (Wang et al. 2023).
• Inhibition of reabsorption: Some uric acid is normally reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Studies suggest that certain components of tart cherries inhibit this reabsorption, thereby increasing excretion (Schlesinger et al. 2012).
• Anti-inflammatory effect: Elevated uric acid levels are often associated with chronic silent inflammation, especially in gout. The anthocyanins contained in the Montmorency cherry have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may thus alleviate symptoms or reduce their occurrence (Gholami et al. 2022).

The results of the presented study clearly demonstrate that regular consumption of 100% Montmorency tart cherry juice can offer promising, natural support for elevated uric acid levels, particularly for people seeking a well-tolerated supplement to conventional therapy. Thanks to its unique combination of anti-inflammatory and uric acid-modulating plant compounds, Montmorency tart cherry can act on multiple levels. While the juice does not replace other therapeutic measures, it can provide valuable natural support as a complementary treatment.

References for further reading:

1. Gholami A, Amirkalali B, Baradaran HR, Hariri M. The beneficial effect of tart cherry on plasma levels of inflammatory mediators (not recovery after exercise): A systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Med 2022; 68:102842. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102842.
2. Hillman, AR, & Uhranowsky, K. (2021). Acute Ingestion of Montmorency Tart Cherry Reduces Serum Uric Acid but Has no Impact on High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein or Oxidative Capacity. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands), 76(1), 83–89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11130-021-00879-7
3. Martin, K. R., & Coles, K. M. (2019). Consumption of 100% Tart Cherry Juice Reduces Serum Urate in Overweight and Obese Adults. Current Developments in Nutrition, 3(5), nzz011. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzz011
4. Schlesinger N. Pilot Studies of Cherry Juice Concentrate for Gout Flare Prophylaxis. J Arthritis 2012; 01(01). doi: 10.4172/2167-7921.1000101.
5. Wang C, Sun W, Dalbeth N, Wang Z, Wang X, Ji X et al. Efficacy and safety of tart cherry supplementary citrate mixture on gout patients: a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25(1):164. doi: 10.1186/s13075-023-03152-1.